"The German soldier is to be tough as leather, fleet as a greyhound, and hard as Krupp steel."
- Adolf Hitler discussing the creation of the new German soldat
The Army M1 helmet was standardized on April 30th, 1941 and was approved on June 9th, 1941. It was of two-piece design with an outer Hadfield steel shell and a separate inner liner containing the suspension system. Following adoption of the M1 helmet, the Ordnance Department retained development and procurement of the outer steel shell and the Quartermaster Department made development and production progress of the inner liner and suspension system.
Each M-1 helmet shell was stamped from a single sheet of manganese steel. The helmet has a chin strap "bail" or "bale" -- a rectangular wire loop -- on each side attached with either a hinge or welded directly to the helmet. A second component was the M-1941 helmet liner, a removable inner helmet constructed of resin-impregnated cotton canvas. The liner had an internal, adjustable suspension system and its own leather chin strap so it could be worn without the steel shell for duty that did not involve combat or combat training.
The M1940 helmet first appeared in March 1940 following a redesign of the manufacturing process which now incorporated more automated stamping techniques. The first helmets issued received only one decal on the left side of the helmet. In 1943 this factory applied decal was discontinued in order to comply with orders issued by the Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht. Helmets of this type were characteristic of having rolled edges and stamped air vents that were embossed directly into the steel shell. Paint configurations ranged from medium to very dark (almost black-green in color) with various degrees of texture. Some helmets also exhibited a "slate grey" color that was either field or factory applied. The interior of the helmet remained smooth painted unless it was factory or field modified and then re-issued.
Many M1940 helmets appear heavier in weight when compared to M1935 or M1942 helmets. This is specifically true of helmets that were manufactured by the Quist firm. These helmet shells are generally well formed and heavy compared to other German helmets of the era. Most M1940 helmets received the second pattern zinc liner band system. However, those introduced in 1940 and early 1941 often have the first model aluminum liner bands. These are appropriately date marked between 1940 and 1943.
This six-piece military helmet set consists of three German and three US WWII-era military helmets. If purchased separately these helmets would cost $59.94; your price $54.99. Now in stock!
Dimensions:
•Height 4.5 inches from base of bust to crown
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